Our Memberships

Building credibility, innovation, and global connections to empower education and business

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Global Networks. Real-World Impact.

At Gisma University of Applied Sciences, our strength lies not only in our cutting-edge programmes but also in the powerful network of global memberships and partnerships we proudly belong to. From prestigious international accreditations to dynamic collaborations with innovation leaders like UC Berkeley’s Sutardja Center and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), we bring academic excellence and real-world relevance together. These connections set Gisma apart as a hub of innovation and impact.


Our accreditations and certifications are more than just badges, they are powerful endorsements that validate Gisma as a leader in international business education. These rigorous recognitions reflect our unwavering commitment to quality, relevance, and global standards, ensuring our programmes and university not only meet but exceed expectations.

Gisma Accreditation & Partnerships

AMBA Accredited

At Gisma University of Applied Sciences, our Global MBA programme carries the prestigious AMBA accreditation, an elite honour held by only five universities in Germany and just 2% of business schools worldwide. This seal of approval tells the story of our unwavering commitment to world-class business education, combining cutting-edge teaching with real-world career impact. For students and partners alike, AMBA accreditation means trust in a programme that opens doors to global opportunities and sets graduates apart in today’s competitive job market.

State Recognition

Gisma University of Applied Sciences is proudly state-recognised by the federal state of Brandenburg, an assurance that our programmes meet Germany’s rigorous academic and quality standards. This official recognition guarantees that every Gisma degree holds global credibility, empowering graduates to pursue careers and opportunities worldwide. Choosing Gisma means joining a trusted institution where excellence is certified, and your future is built on a foundation of recognised quality.

BSIS Impact Label (Business School Impact System by EFMD)

The prestigious BSIS Impact Label celebrates universities that create a measurable, positive influence on their communities and economies. For Gisma, this recognition shines a spotlight on our role in driving innovation, fuelling regional business growth, and enhancing societal well-being, especially within the vibrant Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Area. It’s proof that our impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping a stronger, more dynamic future for the region we call home.

  • Gisma is one of only two institutions in Germany with this distinction
  • Gisma generates €126.5 million in economic activity in Berlin-Brandenburg each year
  • Students and alumni have started 15+ new businesses, creating 120+ jobs
  • 74% of graduates stay in the region, boosting local talent
  • Dedicated to sustainability, impactful research, and strong business partnership

German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) via FIBAA

Gisma University of Applied Sciences’ programmes are nationally accredited by the German Accreditation Council through FIBAA, a specialised agency for business and social sciences. This prestigious accreditation reflects our commitment to high German and European standards, ensuring courses are academically rigorous and aligned with evolving labour market needs. Graduates leave with qualifications recognised across Europe, unlocking international opportunities and supporting both academic and professional mobility.


Gisma’s memberships link us with leading international networks and organisations that champion innovation, quality, and responsible management in higher education. These collaborations keep us at the cutting edge of global business education, providing our students and partners with access to the latest research, resources, and best practices worldwide.

Business Education Alliance

AACSB – Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Gisma University of Applied Sciences is a proud member of AACSB, one of the most respected global bodies for business education. AACSB connects us to a prestigious network of leading business schools committed to academic excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. This membership enhances our global credibility, supports world-class curriculum design, and opens the pathway to AACSB accreditation — a benchmark often associated with elite triple-accredited institutions.

BMDA – Baltic Management Development Association

Our membership with BMDA links Gisma to a vibrant network of universities and business schools in the Baltic region. BMDA promotes research collaboration, academic mobility, and executive education, allowing our students and faculty to participate in regional networking, joint projects, and exchange opportunities. This connection strengthens our presence in the Baltic and Nordic education markets, ensuring our community benefits from diverse, international perspectives.

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CEEMAN – Central and East European Management Development Association

Dynamic economies demand dynamic education. CEEMAN unites leading institutions across Central and Eastern Europe, driving innovation in leadership and management. As a CEEMAN member, Gisma gains access to cutting-edge case studies, faculty development, and powerful connections in some of the world’s fastest-changing business environments, giving our students the skills and insights to thrive globally.

EFMD

EFMD – European Foundation for Management Development

With over 900 members in 90 countries, EFMD is one of the most influential voices in global management education. Our membership puts Gisma at the centre of a worldwide conversation about the future of business learning. From access to EQUIS accreditation pathways to collaborative projects with top universities and corporate partners, EFMD ensures our programmes remain innovative, industry-aligned, and internationally respected.

PRME – Principles for Responsible Management Education

With over 900 members in 90 countries, EFMD is one of the most influential voices in global management education. Our membership puts Gisma at the centre of a worldwide conversation about the future of business learning. From access to EQUIS accreditation pathways to collaborative projects with top universities and corporate partners, EFMD ensures our programmes remain innovative, industry-aligned, and internationally respected.

VPH – Verband der Privaten Hochschulen

With over 900 members in 90 countries, EFMD is one of the most influential voices in global management education. Our membership puts Gisma at the centre of a worldwide conversation about the future of business learning. From access to EQUIS accreditation pathways to collaborative projects with top universities and corporate partners, EFMD ensures our programmes remain innovative, industry-aligned, and internationally respected.


Our strategic partnerships go beyond formal agreements, they create gateways to real-world impact. Working with globally respected organisations and institutions, we co-develop initiatives that bring industry into the classroom, connect talent with opportunity, and expand our reach across international markets. From joint projects to innovation-driven collaborations, these alliances prepare our community to thrive in an interconnected, rapidly evolving business landscape.

Berlin Partner for Business and Technology

Berlin is Europe’s start-up capital, a city where creativity meets commerce. Gisma collaborates with Berlin Partner, a powerhouse network that connects universities with industry, start-ups, and research institutions. This partnership opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and real-world projects, while supporting research commercialisation and innovation in Germany’s capital.

GIZ – German Corporation for International Cooperation

GIZ is a leading global organisation driving sustainable development, governance, and economic growth. Gisma is proud to serve as an official GIZ training centre, delivering tailored executive training to professionals from around the world. This partnership brings global development expertise directly to our students, while opening doors to international consultancy and funding opportunities, connecting our campus to real-world impact on a worldwide scale.

The Sutardja Center, UC Berkeley

Gisma students gain unique access to UC Berkeley’s Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, a hub for innovation and venture-building. Through the Berkeley Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, students collaborate with global peers and professionals on real-world entrepreneurial projects, sharpening leadership, creative problem-solving, and innovation skills. For those seeking deeper immersion, semester-long exchanges offer hands-on experience in Silicon Valley’s startup ecosystem, providing insider insights into entrepreneurial thinking, technology trends, and venture creation at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs.


Unlock Your Global Opportunities with Gisma

Gisma connects students and partners to a world of business, innovation, and real-world impact. Explore how our internationally recognised programmes, industry collaborations, and leadership-focused initiatives can shape your career or organisation.